Posted 2014-01-20 8:29 PM Subject: Is the hoof the key to soundness?
Veteran
Posts: 210
So I was just reading the thread about something with running sound horses and how you are keeping them sound and what all you do with them-when they were started, when they started barrels ect. Well the subject came up in there that shoeing/trimming is the key to keeping your horse sound. SO sitting here I pondered my lil brain and was thinking ya know that is probably one heck of a true statement. you horse stands on four lil stubs called hooves, ever hear the saying no hoof no horse? Well correct shoeing and trimming is needed to have a nice sound horse, just think if the angle is off just one bit you could be having joint problems. NOW I believe I have found out why my horses are sore and have some joint issues and do not run as perfect as they should.
What are ya'lls opinion on this subject? If possible show some pics of your shoers/farriers job. I just recently was told mine leaves my toes to long and has no heal. On the outside they look great and nicely professionally trimmed, but having being shown what they were talking about my mouth dropped I couldnt believe that I never seen that, I have been watching my farrier do this for years and along those years I have had nothing but troubles with the barrels and my times were going down and the injuries were increasing!
Posted 2014-01-20 8:53 PM Subject: RE: Is the hoof the key to soundness?
Swiffer PIcker Upper
Posts: 4015 Location: Four Corners Colorado
Yes it is! I highly recomend watching Pete Rameys Under the horse series for a wealth of infomation on keeping a horse sound. It is great even if you never intend on trimming your own horses feet.
Posted 2014-01-20 9:08 PM Subject: RE: Is the hoof the key to soundness?
You get what you give
Posts: 13030 Location: Texas
I think the fastest way to cripple a horse can be done with improper trimming and shoeing. They don't even have to have shoes to do damage if they are trimmed wrong.
I think its important to have a good relationship in your farrier- one where you can work with your vet if needed, and one where you trust his judgment, and he respects you in return. If you have a good farrier- stick with him!
Posted 2014-01-20 9:10 PM Subject: RE: Is the hoof the key to soundness?
Northern Chocolate Queen
Posts: 16576 Location: ND
IMO a good farrier/trimmer is one of the absolute most important parts of caring for your horses. There are very few people that I would ever trust to work on mine....which is why I do all of my own trimming.
Is the hoof the key to soundness?
